Ireland has secured international backing for the Dublin Declaration on Trusted, Safe and Sovereign Artificial Intelligence, marking a significant step in the country’s ambition to help shape Europe’s AI future. The announcement followed the International AI Summit in Dublin, which brought together government leaders, industry representatives, researchers and innovators.
Published by the Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment on 14 October 2026 and updated on 15 October, the announcement outlines a shared European approach to AI safety, skills, infrastructure, research and innovation.
Trusted AI at the centre of Ireland’s digital strategy
The Dublin Declaration calls for closer cooperation among participating EU countries to advance trusted AI adoption while strengthening resilience, governance and technological capacity. It also promotes cooperation with trusted international partners and aims to ensure artificial intelligence reflects democratic values and public trust.
Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment Peter Burke said Ireland wants not only to adopt AI, but also to influence how it is developed and applied. Minister of State Niamh Smyth said the declaration sends a strong political signal that EU member states are committed to accelerating work already under way at European level.
The government’s wider Intelligence: Applied agenda is intended to make Ireland a leading location for developing, deploying and scaling AI. It focuses on practical adoption across businesses and public services, alongside investment in talent, research and digital infrastructure.
Key measures announced
- A National AI Literacy Taskforce to build skills and awareness among workers, businesses and citizens.
- Sector-specific AI strategies covering areas such as manufacturing, construction, tourism and ICT services.
- Ten AI Sectoral Champions to promote adoption and share examples of successful implementation.
- Enterprise Ireland’s Make AI Work programme to help companies integrate AI into their operations.
- Redesigned Digital & AI for Business and Grow Digital & AI supports for small firms with up to 50 employees.
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Funding for AI startups, research and infrastructure
The announcement includes a €21 million AI Startup Accelerator Programme offering funding, mentoring and international networks to early-stage founders. Startup Ireland also aims to support the creation of 1,000 startups and 10,000 entrepreneurs over five years through initiatives including a proposed National Startup Hub.
Additional commitments include €1 billion from the Ireland Strategic Investment Fund for scaling businesses and strategic sectors to 2030, €45 million in extra support for the Technology Centres Programme, and €200 million through the Disruptive Technologies Innovation Fund for collaborative research and commercialisation.
Ireland has also committed €120 million to European strategic technology projects, including work connected to artificial intelligence, advanced semiconductors and next-generation digital infrastructure.
Regulation and the AI economy
An AI Regulatory Sandbox will give innovators a structured setting to test solutions while engaging with regulators. The initiative is designed to support compliance with the EU AI Act and reduce barriers for startups and SMEs.
The government’s Silicon Ireland strategy is also intended to strengthen the semiconductor ecosystem, while continued investment in connectivity, data infrastructure, communications networks and sustainable energy supports the foundations required for AI-led growth.
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What the Dublin Declaration means for Ireland
The declaration connects AI policy with economic competitiveness, workforce development, public trust and national resilience. While agencies such as Enterprise Ireland and the National AI Office will have important roles, successful delivery will also depend on collaboration across education, research, enterprise and government.
For businesses, the strategy points to more practical support for AI adoption. For workers and citizens, the emphasis on literacy and responsible use signals that AI policy is being framed around capability as well as technology.
Conclusion
Ireland’s international backing for the Dublin Declaration gives the country a stronger platform in Europe’s AI debate. The focus now shifts from agreement to implementation: building trusted AI skills, supporting innovative companies, strengthening research and ensuring new systems deliver measurable benefits while protecting public confidence.
Article/Image Courtesy: gov.ie
